OUR PICKS · ALBANIA
Good albania bay cruises fill up weeks ahead and the best cabins go first. Below: the 4 to book early, what each fare includes and how they differ.
Cruise from Vlorë to Haxhi Ali Cave, Dafina, Bristani, Englishman Bay, the Blue Cave, and Grama Bay. You will swim, snorkel, and relax on a small speedboat with drinks, snacks, and guides speaking English, Italian, and Albanian.
“the blue Cave was magnificent also the staff ! everything well organized”
Spend 7 to 8 hours on a fast boat from Vlore, visiting Haxhi Ali Cave, Blue Cave, Grama Bay, and beaches along the Karaburun Peninsula. Expect swimming, snorkeling, music, and a lively group setting. Captains such as Edison and Klejsi have earned praise for their friendly service.
“We were asked to leave the boat before even leaving the harbour because our children is not ok with 120 decibel music and was in tears. We love music but at that level it’s crazy. The arrogant skipper was not even willing to turn it down to acceptable levels. We were refunded but it was our only full day in Vlore and thanks to them we missed out on seeing the sights which was the very reason for us being here”
From Vlore, cruise the Karaburun Peninsula with an English-speaking crew, stopping at Haxhi Ali Cave, Dafina Bay, Bristan Bay, the Seal Cave, Blue Cave, and Grama Bay. Expect swimming, snorkeling, rugged coves, a small group of up to 20, and a long day on open water.
“I have to be honest, we did this excursion in August 2025, and I feel like I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. For 80 euros per person, we got a taxi-driver on a speed-boat, who very reluctantly drove us to all the indicated locations. When you arrived to each location, he would just say, "Get off, this is this, and we will leave in 20 minutes". He was supposed to provide us with snorkeling equipment, but it was never offered. Sometimes he would say we'd stay at the beach for 30 minutes, but after 10 minutes, he'd say we had to leave. Sometimes it was a short 10-minute stay, but…”
Join Olympia Tours for an 8-hour speedboat trip from Vlorë to Haxhi Ali Cave, Dafina Bay, the Blue Cave, and Grama Bay. Guides speak English, Italian, and Albanian. Guide Helio has earned praise for mixing local stories with a fun day on the water.
An hour around a harbour, a full day with a swim stop, or a cabin and a sunrise.
